BKMT READING GUIDES
The Shadow Queen: A Novel
by Sandra Gulland
Hardcover : 336 pages
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1 member has read this book
From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic ...
Introduction
From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic Sun King.
1660, Paris
Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother's astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she's socially scorned.
A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning "Shadow Queen." Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant.
Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king's bed.
Indeed, Claudette's "reputable" new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King's favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk.
Set against the gilded opulence of a newly-constructed Versailles and the War of Theaters, THE SHADOW QUEEN is a seductive, gripping novel about the lure of wealth, the illusion of power, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between two strong-willed women whose actions could shape the future of France.
Discussion Questions
1. How are the worlds of the theatre and the Court similar? How are they different?2. Claudette tells herself that she's going to work at Court for the good of her family. Do you believe her?
3. "The shadow queen" is the term used for a king's official mistress. Clearly, in this novel, Athénaïs is a shadow queen. In what ways is Claudette a shadow queen as well?
4. What do you think accounted for Athénaïs's downfall?
5. Discuss Claudette's and Athénaïs's relationship. What was it about Athénaïs that so attracted Claudette? What was it that Athénaïs saw in Claudette?
6. Discuss the position of those who worked in theater in 17th-century French society. Was it justified? Hypocritical? Unjust?
7. A little over one hundred years after the events of this novel, the French Revolution began. In part, the Revolution was a revolt against the Catholic Church. What events in The Shadow Queen hint at a dissatisfaction of the French people with Church policy?
8. The church was a very powerful influence during this time period, and yet many people were enthralled by the very magical potions, séances, fortune telling and charms that the church frowned upon. What role does magical ritual play in this novel?
9. What movie actors would you chose to play the parts of Claudette, Alix, Athénaïs, Madame Voisin, Louvios and the King?
10. In what ways does Claudette change over the course of the novel? Athénaïs? Madame Voisin? Gaston? Alix?
11. Who was your favorite character? (And why?)
Weblinks
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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
"The Shadow Queen is an epic feast for the senses with a cast of characters that includes Moliere, Racine, and the Sun King himself, Louis XIV. With this exhilarating exploration of the years of Louis's reign, full of exquisite details and memorable characters, Sandra Gulland proves herself a master of not only storytelling but stagecraft and illusion, as well." —Melanie Benjamin, New York Times Bestselling author of THE AVIATOR'S WIFE "Fascinating and rich in historical detail, The Shadow Queen brings Claudette des Oeillets to full and vivid life as she makes the journey from hungry, roaming player to indispensable attendant of Louis XIV's mistress. A captivating glimpse into the theatre, court life and black arts of 17th Century Paris." —Cathy Marie Buchanan, New York Times Bestselling author of THE PAINTED GIRLS "Sandra Gulland's latest will remind readers why they fall in love with the past. Gulland uses her meticulous research with consummate skill, rendering vivid the luxury and squalor of Louis XIV's France and breathing life into fully formed characters that tug at the heart. Masterful." —Tasha Alexander, New York Times Bestselling Author of DEATH IN THE FLOATING CITY "Propelled by Sandra Gulland's brilliant storytelling and her unerring gift for reviving an historical era through dramatic scenes, The Shadow Queen is told through a fascinating perspective — that of the personal attendant and closest confidante of Louis XIV's all-powerful mistress. The story straddles two worlds — the competitive arena of 17th century French theater and the opulent yet treacherous court of the Sun King. The characters are magnetic and the pace will dazzle you." —Adrienne McDonnell, author of THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA "A must-read for anyone passionate about the theater and hungry for more of Sandra Gulland's masterful depictions of life at the court of the Sun King." — Anne Easter Smith, author of A ROSE FOR THE CROWN "A quick-paced, captivating tale of 17th Century France—from the dramas and destitutions of life in the theatre, to the intrigues and ruthlessness of the royal court—and of the wrenching conflict between familial bonds and the sacrifices a young woman must make to survive and thrive. Through the trials and hard-earned triumphs of quick-witted Claudette, maid and confidante of aristocratic, alluring Athénaïs, Gulland shapes a world rich in historical detail and timeless in its exploration of divided loyalties, power struggles, and the consequences of remaining true to heartfelt ideals." - Ania Szado, author of STUDIO OF SAINT-EX "Sandra Gulland is one of our most gifted historical novelists and once again, she does not disappoint. This vividly drawn tale of a young woman caught up in the dark intrigues of the beautiful, lethal mistress of the Sun King has all the ingredients readers love, blending passion, adventure, pageantry and danger into a heady brew as intoxicating as it is unforgettable." —C.W. Gortner, author of THE QUEEN'S VOW "Sandra Gulland is at the top of her game in The Shadow Queen and that's saying a lot! From the first page you know you are in the hands of a master story teller. I just don't think anyone does it better than Gulland - this book is lyrical, fascinating and seeped in history, drama and emotion. Truly magnificent and an absolute joy to read." —M.J. Rose, International Bestselling author of THE BOOK OF LOST FRAGRANCESBook Club Recommendations
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